China, Fiji celebrate 50 years with historic drone show, cultural extravaganza

A spectacular 600-drone light show dazzled Suva's night sky in Fiji's capital city on Saturday, commemorating 50 years of fruitful China-Fiji diplomatic relations. The breathtaking display was the first of its kind in the Pacific, vividly portraying the enduring partnership between the two nations over five decades.

Addressing the event, China's Ambassador to Fiji, Zhou Jian, hailed the 50th anniversary of China-Fiji relations and highlighted its transformative outcomes underscoring Fiji's progress since independence.

He also emphasized that the partnership has been strengthened through mutual respect and cooperation and their commitment to global peace, sustainable development, and expanding cultural and economic exchanges.

"From $2.3 million in bilateral trade in 1976 to $534 million in 2024, China has become Fiji's third-largest trading partner," he said, highlighting major infrastructure projects including the Vodafone Arena, Stinson Parade Bridge, Vatuwaqa Bridge, and the Suva Civic Center.

For years, local Fijian families have benefitted from agricultural and technological initiatives, such as Juncao mushroom cultivation and rice-planting technologies.

"People-to-people ties have also flourished. Mutual visa exemptions, sister-city partnerships, Chinese medical teams, cultural performances, and scholarships have strengthened connections, while over 300 Fijian students have pursued studies in China. Both countries have stood together during crises, from cyclones to the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrating solidarity and friendship," he added.

Fiji's acting Prime Minister Biman Prasad praised the Chinese government's ongoing support in sectors such as infrastructure, education and healthcare, particularly under the Belt and Road Initiative. He pointed to the Vanua Levu Road Upgrade Project as a major example of collaboration aimed at enhancing connectivity and promoting economic growth in the Northern division.

As stunning drone formations soared above Albert Park, the venue of the celebrations, the cultural event also celebrated the shared heritage of both nations, with a deep appreciation of Fijians of Chinese descent, who have contributed greatly to Fiji's socio-economic development and cultural diversity.

"The Chinese community has been a vital component of our society, contributing to the socio-economic development of modern Fiji and enriching our cultural heritage," Mr Prasad said.

In addition, the event marked the 76th anniversary of the People's Republic of China and 170 years since the first Chinese people settled in Fiji.

Celebrations kicked off with an exciting range of activities, including stalls offering Chinese cuisine, arts, crafts and traditional performances. As a special feature, an art troupe from China performed alongside Fiji's own VOU Dance Group, delighting the crowd with martial arts, acrobatics, magic, marionette shows and Cantonese opera.

The drone show included the Chinese and Fijian flag formations, a panda drinking traditional Fijian kava, a Fijian rugby player, and more all lighting up the Suva sky for festival-goers at the park and visitors along the foreshore.

Strengthening ties: 50 years of mutual prosperity

Both nations reaffirmed their shared commitment to enhancing bilateral ties through cultural exchanges and sustainable development initiatives.

The event provided an exciting glimpse into the future of China-Fiji relations, with both countries committed to deepening cooperation and mutual learning. Whether through technological innovations or artistic collaborations, the legacy of China and Fiji's 50-year partnership will continue to flourish, creating more opportunities for both nations in the years to come.